Tougher border security as Dinagyang nears

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has strengthened security at the borders of the city and province of Iloilo as part of preparations for the Dinagyang Festival which culminates on Jan. 25 and 26, 2020.

Police Colonel Roland Vilela, Iloilo police chief, said the move is in support of Police Regional Office (PRO)-6’s goal of “zero major crime incident” during the festivities.

Vilela said he directed all station chiefs to intensify checkpoint and chokepoint operations since Jan 9 to intercept contrabands.

On Tuesday, police arrested Kenny Gonzales, 37, in a checkpoint at Barangay Velasco, Lemery, Iloilo for possessing a caliber .38 revolver loaded with 12 ammunition.

Intelligence monitoring will also be intensified to deter movements of criminals.

“We would also be doing more anti-criminality operations,” Vilela said.

But more than the police operation, Vilela believed that a peaceful and orderly Dinagyang Festival also depends on public support.

“Devotees, tourists, and all the Ilonggos must be safety and security-conscious as they take part in the festivities,” Vilela quipped said.

For the Dinagyang Festival, IPPO deployed 249 personnel to augment the Iloilo City Police.